Basics about Viruses and Immunity

Apparently the posting below IS NOT from Hopkins. However, we do know that COVID-19 IS a DNA protein encapsulated (surrounded) by lipid (fat), and as such, vulnerable to the interventions described.

Viruses are transformattive agents! Once inside the cell, they take over the DNA in order to replicate themselves. The fever we experience is part of our innate immune system’s attempt to eliminate the virus. Usually, we are most contagious at the time of symptom onset, but this virus appears to be different: more contagious, often associated with asymptomatic states.

The reason COVID-19 is so contagious is because it is easily transmitted through droplets, AND it is a new virus to humans. Our immune system does not have prior experiences with it so we don’t have any partial (antibody-based) immunity, and our innate immune system goes crazy. The innate immune system is our first line of defense. It has so much more of an inflammatory response. Our ACQUIRED immune system (antibodies) takes several days to create antibodies againt something new. Once this occurs, the inflammatory response of the innate branch of our immune system usually can calm down.

Vaccines help us build partial immunity, but these are still in development stages.